Process and composition for hardening copper



Patented Jan. 16, 1934 rnoonss AND. oom-osrnon ron name oorraa ilharleaE. Meyer, Long, Md.

No Drawlng 4 Claims.

This invention has for its object to provide a process and compositionfor hardening copper in a simple and expeditious manner which will besufliciently inexpensive to be commercially practical.

5 The copper to be treated is preferably reduced to small pieces tofacilitate melting and is then placed in a crucible and heated to itsmelting temperature of 1083 C. As soon as the copper begins to melt amixture of pulverized copper '1 sulphate (blue stone), sodium chlorideand borax is added. While these latter ingredients could be readilymixed with the comminuted copper prior to placing the same in thecrucible, it is preferable to add such ingredients after the copperbegins to melt thereby avoiding any deleterious effect on theingredients prior to their entrance into the molten mass.

A typical formula is as follows: Copper 1 pound Copper sulphate 2 ouncesSalt 2 ounces Borax As previously stated, the copper. is reduced tosmall pieces and brought to a melting temperature. The copper sulphate((311504) is previously reduced to a comminuted form and mixed with theproper proportions of salt (NaCl) and borax (NazBiO'z). This mixture isadded to the copper as soon as the latter begins to melt, and

Application March 22, 1933 erial No. 682,182

when thoroughly incorporated, the material is poured into molds of theproper design for casting bearings or other articles desired to bemanufactured of hardened copper, and allowed to 0001.

Copper treated in this manner is extremely hard and durable and isuseful in the manufac- 69 ture of many articles heretofore made ofsteel.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is: v

1. The herein described process of hardening copper which comprisesheating copper to its melting point, and adding thereto copper sulphate,salt and borax in suitable proportions.

2. The herein described process of hardening copper which comprisesreducing the copper to small pieces, heating the reduced copper to itsmelting point, and adding thereto copper sulphate, salt and borax insuitable proportions.

3. A hardened copper formed of the following ingredients:

Copper 1 pound Copper sulp 2 ounces Salt 2 ounces Borax

